SARASOTA, FL. – Mike Brennan, astute journalist that he is, sensed a controversial story in an email he received predicting the demise of headhunters with the rise of Artificial Intelligence. So he contacted us, Executive Search Partners, to get the input of a nationally recognized Headhunter.
The premise is that artificial intelligence will eliminate the human factor in trying to find candidates to fill open positions. If that were only true.
Humans ARE biased and imperfect. AI is also biased and imperfect. AI still cannot screen resumes accurately much less recruit and interview candidates. Can you imagine hiring someone just based upon a resume they submitted to an on-line posting? No human screening. No phone or in-person interviewing.
The answer is a resounding NO.
Perhaps the reason someone would say that headhunters are on their way out is they really don’t understand what a headhunter does. There are two parts to every new hire – the needs of the company and the needs of the candidates.
Headhunters act as a matchmaker working with both candidates and the hiring company to find candidates and determine interest and fit. They don’t just find resumes of candidates who might be a fit.
Finding qualified and interested candidates to fit a position requires finding the candidates (personal networks, ads, databases), recruiting them (“this is a great opportunity for you – don’t you think?”), and screening them (does the candidate have the background, experience and personality to fit the requirements of the positions). Once this is done there are further steps (references, negotiations, offers, and even sometimes countering counter offers). AI cannot to any of this.
If you want to work with a full-service nationally recognized headhunter contact Gary Erickson, Managing Director, Executive Search Partners, (248) 470-9976. Executive Search Partners specializes in Information Technology related positions.
